I've been on a 5+ year-long journey to find a canoe seat back that is comfortable, moderately lightweight, quiet and properly fits into the rear paddler seat on my Spirit II canoe. I've had no such luck.

I've made trips with the Crazy Creek, REI brand Crazy Creek lookalike, and recently the GCI Sitbacker. Each seat-back doesn't seem to fit quite right in the rear position or annoys me with the creaking noises it makes with each paddle stroke.

So, I'm wondering how many of you forego the seat back on a 6+ day trip? Or would you never leave home without?

I have never used one, even on a 26 day trip. Never felt a need for one.

I've sold my share of seat backs in a previous employment and bought one for my wife, but I've never used one myself. I may well get flamed for this (is my wife watching?), but in my considered opinion, sore backs from paddling (aside from folks who suffer from underlying back disorders) are the product of a lack of conditioning and occasionally poor paddle fit.

If you have time, I suggest you try to build your conditioning with some long hours with paddle in hand. If fit is an issue, find a way to change that.

DanCooke: "I have never used one, even on a 26 day trip. Never felt a need for one."

+1. We've never used seat backs in 50+ years of paddling together. Our typical BWCA/Q trips are 10 days, 100+ miles, and we haven't felt the need.

TZ

I paddle fairly regularly and have left my seat in the truck being frustrated with the seat experience like the OP reports. Due to poorly trained muscle groups, I miss the seat so I am using the GSI mentioned. I would like a gel pad with lumbar sling, but have never seen one on the market. I should spend some time with Dan on his paddle nights and develop a proper paddle technique, but 200+ miles is a long drive.

A couple lakes in, I seldom go back. My two cents is paddle at home without the seat, watch your technique, and if you are willing to make some adjustments, you will know. As stated, I still use the GSI.

I don’t need one but I like my GSI when I put it on

I'm also in the never use one camp. When paddling with a single paddle, you shouldn't be leaning back into it and so it serves no purpose for me. I could see it when fishing but I don't do that. Kayakers do use seat backs but I think the best ones for that are back bands that move with you rather than a rigid back.

I have used a gel pad on really hard bucket seats. I just don't like those seats and prefer cane or webbing.

I just need a little lower back support. Hate the Crazy Creek type....too tall....hit my elbows. Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat

The placement of the rear seat on my Spirit II makes it difficult or impossible to use anything but a soft crazy creek chair. Anything with tubes or form beyond stiffeners in the seams on the seat and back will not fit. In fact, I often can't even get my fat butt all the way back into the seat. I'd move it forward, but then I'd need to buy a new seat so it could fit....

I've never used one; just added weight with little benefit to me. Do you really need one. . .?

I have used a kayak style back band for several years. I was having some lower back pain and tried it out. It works very well for me, but it was installed on my Magic which has a thwart just behind the seat that accommodates the rear attachment points on the back band. It just takes installing loops on the gunwales a bit forward of the seat for the front attachment points. To make this work on a tandem you would need to find some sort of attachment points for the back of the back band. Putting another thwart there would probably work. The back band when used in concert with foot braces really make you feel attached to the canoe. I find that to be very helpful. I have duplicated this arrangement on my new Northwind Solo and it works well there as well. If you look down to the 3rd page of the "Items of sale or wanted" forum you will see the add I posted there when I sold the Magic. There is a picture there that shows the installation, but the back attachment points are not visible.

Use one all the time. Love it.

Here's the pic of WHendrix's back band.

My question is how tight were the side straps when you were paddling?

I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean were they tight against the sides of my body or do you mean that they were tight enough that I was sure they were giving me some support. If you mean the former, I never noticed that they were tight enough to cause any discomfort. It is clear that they are tight enough to provide back support. And of course if everything is adjusted properly the more you push on the foot braces the tighter the straps become and more back support you get

boonie: "I've never used one; just added weight with little benefit to me. Do you really need one. . .?"

I started using a seat back simply for comfort while fishing because it seemed like a good idea. Fast forward 8 years, and I've just always brought it with.
I dont find myself relying on it while paddling, but again, it has just always been there.
I've never really paid attention to see how many fellow paddlers are using them.

Really just a rhetorical question for you Skarc. A lot of people use them, a lot don't. You're a lot younger and more than athletic than many of us who don't, and it wouldn't cost you a cent to find out you don't (or do) need (or want) one. Just something to think about . . .

I have a couple of the CushGear BackSavers with the clamp on brackets. I love them. I wouldn't trip without them. No more lower back pain.

Had one and promptly sold it at a sale and swap.

I also have a spirit 2 in the stable, I have found that with that boat in particular it raises the center of gravity so much that it makes the boat too twitchy, I no longer use one with the spirit.

I've never liked them and the added weight & hassle of portaging (not to mention the poor paddling technique they encourage) has at times made them a point of contention with my tripping partners. Mostly light-hearted...

cowdoc: "...Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat "

I use one like this. Work good for me.

jhb8426: "

cowdoc: "...Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat "

I use one like this. Work good for me."

Dang... just when I almost convinced myself I'm done buying seat backs.... this one looks like it would be a much better fit.

nooneuno: "I also have a spirit 2 in the stable, I have found that with that boat in particular it raises the center of gravity so much that it makes the boat too twitchy, I no longer use one with the spirit."

I never really thought of this before. I've also noticed the boat has felt less stable since I've used the much more elevated GCI.

jhb8426: "

cowdoc: "...Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat "

I use one like this. Work good for me."

I also use one like this for fishing. When traveling, the back gets folded down and sat on.

I have lower back problems. They started when I was young, but went away when I raced mtn bikes. Fast forward, and when I quit riding, the lower back problems returned.
My first canoe trip, I was on my hands and knees setting up camp (solo trip) because of back spasms. I took a rest day, and the rest of the week got better. Upon returning to work, I had about a month of relief from the pain.
Both paddling and cycling, when done with good technique, engage the core and lower back as you lean forward to apply force. I strongly believe MOST lower back pain is a conditioning problem, not spine issues.
Het out as much as possible before the trip, and paddle hard. Do core and lower back exercises! Enjoy your trip even more if possible!

Oops, forgot to add that I don't use a seat back, and found that I like hung cane seats that allow position changes easily.

I have a Penobscot 17 in RoyalexWhen this was my go to boat I put extensions on the seat drops saw that with the sit backers the boat retained its original seating height

Having "enjoyed" a back operation in the 1970's, I try to be extra nice to my back whenever I'm paddling. The combination of a foot brace and back rest seems to work well. I seldom lean against the back rest while paddling but its nice to be able to do so when it feels like some support, or periodically just straightening and arching the back while not paddling will reduce muscle fatigue.

If you can still find one I would recommend a simple Coleman back rest made back in the 80's. Light weight, strong enough for a medium size person, snaps on and off the seat easily, and simple to strap on top of the pack with the PFD wrapped inside. Not sure if they are made any more.

gkimball: "
"

Used a Coleman seat back for years. I portaged with them wrapped around the canoe seats and latched closed.

We'll have the Coleman plastic seat backs along on some trips. Light weight is hardly noticeable. They're usually only used when out fishing all day and looking to sit back and rest for a bit. Certainly not a help during paddling... for that, a more forward leaning position is used.

We leave them hooked to the canoe seats during portages. Not a problem.

I have never needed one. I borrowed a canoe last summer that had one, and I hated it. We kept it folded down the whole trip and I wished I had removed it before the trip.

gravelroad: "I've sold my share of seat backs in a previous employment and bought one for my wife, but I've never used one myself. I may well get flamed, but in my considered opinion, sore backs from paddling (aside from folks who suffer from underlying back disorders) are the product of a lack of conditioning and occasionally poor paddle fit.

If you have time, I suggest you try to build your conditioning with some long hours with paddle in hand. If fit is an issue, find a way to change that."

You certainly won't get flamed by me. I have a horrible spine...once a chiropractor asked if I had been in a car accident (nope) because my back had so many issues. However, I spend a lot of time conditioning, paddling, and working on my posture and core strength. My back does fine on canoe trips. Now backpacking...that is a whole other matter...

Northwoodsman: "I have a couple of the CushGear BackSavers with the clamp on brackets. I love them. I wouldn't trip without them. No more lower back pain."

I second Cushgear Backsavers. Bought them from the owner at Canoecopia many years ago.

I like: lightweight, don't raise center of gravity, minimal structure (aluminum/wood) - allows airflow and doesn't get wet, easy to portage with

We broke one last year, was >10 years old. Prob the newbie leaning back in it too hard.

Wasn't easy to find a replacement - manufacturer no longer selling direct. On Wenonah and Northwest Canoe's web shops. I found for a little less on ebay.

I don't use much as back support when paddling on travel days - I think it encourages poor form. It is great for spending 8 hours a day fishing.

If you sit and fish in a canoe all day long, you will be glad you have one.. Although I've found most people on here don't really go to the BWCA for the fishing, some rarely even bring a pole with on trips. If i didn't do any fishing, I wouldn't use one... but since I sit in the canoe and fish all day long, it is much different than paddling.. the back support is much appreciated.

WHendrix: "I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean were they tight against the sides of my body or do you mean that they were tight enough that I was sure they were giving me some support. If you mean the former, I never noticed that they were tight enough to cause any discomfort. It is clear that they are tight enough to provide back support. And of course if everything is adjusted properly the more you push on the foot braces the tighter the straps become and more back support you get"

I meant tight enough to pull forward and give support. The combination of that sort of back support and foot braces is the same as sea kayaks and I agree gives a great feeling of connectedness and control when paddling. I can see that being a great combination in a canoe too.

While I don't utilize them while paddling, I do use them while fishing. Especially when I'm tired of fishing and become the canoe mover while my husband fishes. Crazy creek for 2 canoes, Coleman seat for the alumnacraft, neither are ideal, but functional.

I use the Wenonah seat, but my kids all use Crazy Creek type. I found I disliked the flopping seat back from the bow seat blocking my vision while portaging. We clip a small beener around the 2 handles, closing the seat, and clearing our view. Also lessens snags on brush and trees. Just an FYI for seat users.

We picked up 2 of the crazy creek seats last year used from an outfitter. I don't seem to notice a difference when paddling other than a little more cushion in the seat. I don't find it comfortable to lean back into the back support while paddling.

I will say i am in the agreement with others that I do really enjoy having the seat on there while fishing!

A side benefit for us last May was that my son put an 8 inch L-shaped tear into his sleeping mat with the zipper of the sleeping bag while turning over in his sleep. It was way beyond repair. We used the seats to give a little more comfort and insulation for the last 2 nights.

I like to have a seat when fishing, and for that, I use a Crazy Creek seat. If I'm just paddling and know I won't be fishing, I fasten the seat to a pack.

Like a lot of people have said, I like them for fishing, am indifferent about having one while paddling/traveling. So I go back and forth about bringing one every year, but ultimately have been bringing it the past few. When you've been out fishing for a couple hours, it feels damn nice to lean back and take a load off. I have a model from LL Bean.

Very essential piece of gear for me.

I find I sit fine in the canoe with no seat back and yes a footbar. The seat however is canted ( the back higher than the front) so I am not fighting to stay on the seat during power paddling

I find that I have horrid posture while sitting at home. Stay at home is not friendly to my back!

But paddling no never needed one.

I do use a backband in a pack canoe but that seat is much lower and essentially your feet are in front of you rather than somewhat under you.

Its your butt and back. Do what feels best for you.

FWIW, our group takes them along on every trip. While not usually used for short paddles, they are great to have around for sitting around the campfire, providing much-needed cushioning and back support that you can't get from a log. I use one of the Crazy Creek-style knockoffs from REI and it has served me for 6 or 7 trips now. Wouldn't go into the BWCA without one.

FWIW, our group takes them along on every trip. While not usually used for short paddles, they are great to have around for sitting around the campfire, providing much-needed cushioning and back support that you can't get from a log. I use one of the Crazy Creek-style knockoffs from REI and it has served me for 6 or 7 trips now. Wouldn't go into the BWCA without one.

I had one, and I think it was a Crazy Creek. I hated it. If I could hunt it up I would be happy to give it to someone who would use it. Should work on that.

I found in more than forty years of paddling on canoe trips, that whether or not my back hurts is due to the condition my back is in, and also to my posture when canoeing. I keep a nice straight back, and have a paddle that is comfortable. We have a big SeaLIne bag that was always behind my bow seat and occasionally I would lean back against it for a few seconds of a different position and resting.

Never saw the need to have back support when paddling. I have significant arthritis in my spine now and still can paddle comfortably as long as I don't lean forward or slouch.

I have a Portage yoke/backrest.
It's a little heavy, but comfortable.



Jim

I have used this one for years. It is not perfect, but does offer good lower back support.
Wenonah bucket seat

Down side is I do not see it listed for sale anymore.

I always have 1 installed on my canoes. Never liked any store bought ones. I design my own. Some are quite ingenious, like the 1 on my mnII's front sliding seat. It slides right with the seat. My paddling muscles are in shape, ( I paddle 40 miles a week) but we may paddle 15-16 hrs. a day in a Challenge. Believe me a 72 year old back needs a little relief, if only for a few minutes. I'm working on 1 right now for my Blackwater. A slim, curved piece of birch, with a foam covered thin piece of plywood, rabbited to fit over gunwales, and zip tied to the rear thwart. Should weigh about 12 oz. It will give me support only if I have the sliding seat all the way back. Oddly enough, I never carry a camp chair. I know I'm in the minority on that.

Voyager: "I always have 1 installed on my canoes. Never liked any store bought ones. I design my own. Some are quite ingenious, Should weigh about 12 oz. It will give me support only if I have the sliding seat all the way back. Oddly enough, I never carry a camp chair. I know I'm in the minority on that."

I think I am going to need to do that for my Wenonah solo with sliding seat. Do you have some pictures. Thanks

I do! Paddled first few years without one; once I tried one, I haven't looked back. I use a Crazy Creek in my Northwind solo. Adds comfort and helps with double blade "torque ". Recently purchased another used boat that has a brand new canvas weave bench seat, which the seller said I would love. On a recent day trip I was too impatient to switch seat from Northwind to Canak. I paid big time. The seat hurt me from the first minute. Discomfort was an all day issue. My lady bits went numb! So yeah...I like an adjustable seat cushion/back like the Crazy Creek whether I am single or double blading it.

cowdoc: "I just need a little lower back support. Hate the Crazy Creek type....too tall....hit my elbows. Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat "

Cowdoc I have been wondering about comparison between CC and Wenonah. What else do you like better about Wenonah? On verge of buying one.

1JimD: " I have a Portage yoke/backrest.
It's a little heavy, but comfortable.



Jim"

This is brilliant. Did you make it yourself or is this a purchased product?

gkimball: "Having "enjoyed" a back operation in the 1970's, I try to be extra nice to my back whenever I'm paddling. The combination of a foot brace and back rest seems to work well. I seldom lean against the back rest while paddling but its nice to be able to do so when it feels like some support, or periodically just straightening and arching the back while not paddling will reduce muscle fatigue.


If you can still find one I would recommend a simple Coleman back rest made back in the 80's. Light weight, strong enough for a medium size person, snaps on and off the seat easily, and simple to strap on top of the pack with the PFD wrapped inside. Not sure if they are made any more.



"

I used these "way back when" - probably when I was a bow paddler. I think last used in the mid 1990s. I remember it somehow helping me take a break while still paddling a bit. I dunno, maybe I just thought I should have one. I have decent posture and when I sit at a desk all day I don't lean back in the chair often. When I drive for hours and hours, my seat back is straight up.

But I still have several hanging in the garage... maybe for when I get old(er)?

I made it myself.


A friends wife sewed up the straps and buckles. They are the real secret to how handy this is to change !

I actually just left them on the seats when portaging though... easy peasy.

I’m also in the bad back camp. I need to use a crazy creek type chair to help my back on those days we fish for hours. I find I tend to tighten the side straps as the day goes on to get more support.

I don't use a seat back, however, due to back 'issues' -- I end up in extreme pain when sitting on any type of hard surface. The solution, a small, light weight seat cushion, which you can inflate for however much firmness you desire, …. can't recall where we got them, but name on cushion is the "Crack of Dawn" :) -- I just have mine tied to seat w/ a bit of string, so it stays put during portaging. It has really made the difference!

Pictured is the rear seat back for Mn.II, then the folding seat back for the Mn.II's sliding seat, then the Blackwaters seat back being readied to attach with zip ties. I've zip tied the ends to the partial cedar inwales that I installed ,so I could use my clamp-on yoke, instead of the yoke that attaches to the seat tubes. Last year I attached a backrest to the back of the seat tube yoke with zip ties. After the portage, attach the yoke backward on the seat tubes behind the seat. This will limit the rearward adjustment of the seat however. I have also used a 3" backrest on my clamp-on yoke. It rests on 2 small rectangles of aluminum that swing out on the yoke bolts, and is held in place by a loop of shockcord. This is clamped on backward also behind the seat after portaging. I new at this photo business. Not my expertiser.

Ha! My last 2 sentences. And I'm always saying doesn't anybody proof read?

cowdoc: "I just need a little lower back support. Hate the Crazy Creek type....too tall....hit my elbows. Best one I've found and I really like it. Wenonah Super Seat "

I was just looking at this seat today. Do you have the tractor seat one or the webbing seat one? How well does it fir your seat? I’ve had generic ones that were sloppy loose and can’t be tightened down to hold it in place.

Nigal: "I was just looking at this seat today. Do you have the tractor seat one or the webbing seat one? How well does it fir your seat? I’ve had generic ones that were sloppy loose and can’t be tightened down to hold it in place. "

cowdoc: " Wenonah Super Seat "

I have the bench/web seat version of this. I use it on my Bell Magic and Northstar. Fits good and tightens up nicely. I had another brand that was too wide (front to back) and you could not get it tight. This one fits the seat nicely.

I’ve always used a seat back. Whether the plastic Colman or later years the crazy creek type. When properly fit I find them just as useful as the foot brace and in fact the two together help me quite a bit. Spring Creek Outfitters had a good way to fit them on a web type seat.

I upgraded my sitbacker a few years ago. It's a little difficult to portage, but worth it.



Terry

I used one but then realized that I didn't need it after I stated stretching.

Then I was poking around in the dirt where we used to put our old wooden boat under the cabin...





From the 50’s maybe?
Funny how ya tear down an older structure and the things you find. My dad and grandpa built that cabin when I was 3.